Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles, a Democrat who represents Ballard, recently spoke at the National Conference for Media Reform in Minneapolis.

The conference covered a wide array of issues from the failures of our media system to the emerging communications technologies, such as access to digital media. Kohl-Welles spoke at the panel on "Winning Technology Policy and Media Reform in the States," discussing the need for states to act in advancing technology access, rather than wait for the federal government to act.

She also highlighted her legislation, Senate Bill 6438, which passed the 2008 Legislative Session unanimously, and will aid in ensuring broadband connectivity to all in Washington. The legislation was supported by the telecommunications industry and labor groups, with leadership in the House provided by Representatives Zack Hudgins and John McCoy.

"Our new law will put Washington at the head of the nation in developing a high-speed internet deployment and adoption strategy. While a few other states have started on this process, they are mapping broadband access at the county level, while we will be doing so at the census tract level. This will allow for greater accuracy and direction as we bring broadband to all of Washington," said Kohl-Welles.

Kohl-Welles' broadband bill is just one part of a growing movement across the country to help bridge the digital divide. The Media Reform conference also included speeches from Bill Moyers, Dan Rather, and Phil Donahue, and numerous panels on emerging issues facing the nation in the coming years.